One of the hardest things with using the iPad in the classroom is finding the time to go through all of the apps in the iTunes Store listed under the education banner. We have started to list some of the apps we've found under each of the Key Learning Areas.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Came across a great article by Keith Stuart at guardian.co.uk posted Sept 2010. This is the direction I would love to see the development of textbooks and novels used as prescribed texts go. I think I have said - it would be impossible to stop them from reading with this sort of interactive and immersive experience on offer.

" What impact will digital books have on the experience of the written word – apart from the form factor, and the ability to store hundreds of works on a single ebook reader? Will the rise of gadgets like Kindle and tablet computers like iPad actually contribute to the medium in a creative way?

This is a question that design consultancy IDEO has grappled with, producing a Vimeo clip to show three possible book-reading applications for tablet computers and ebook readers: Nelson, Coupland and Alice. It's the third (from 3:03 onwards) that interests us. Alice, the narrative informs us, is "an interactive reading experience that invites the reader to engage with the story-telling process [...] Stories unfold and develop through the reader's active participation."

For example, clues could be unlocked by shaking the screen so that most of the words 'fall off' revealing hidden codes. Other narrative elements could be unveiled by opening the book while in a specific geographic location. The video also mentions the possibility of receiving text messages and emails from characters in the book. I guess Silence of the Lambs would be a bit more scary if you started getting texts from Buffalo Bill asking what your dress size is.

But these are more like reading enhancements than truly interactive narrative features. Later, the narrator talks about the reader adding to the narrative, co-developing the story, thereby gaining access to secret events, character backstories and new chapters. "In time a non-linear narrative emerges, allowing the reader to immerse themselves in the story from multiple angles."

Sunday, March 6, 2011

An interesting piece last Thursday from Gregory Ferenstein at Fast Company highlights some of the benefits of the iPad 2 in the classroom.

New features facilitate remote learning, exploration, and stylish lectures.

The iPad 2's wealth of new features is a boon for tech-hungry classrooms.

Enhanced Facetime will be great for remote lectures or office hours, high-definition video editing will facilitate exploratory learning and reporting, and real-time image mirroring will stylize lectures in science, history, and geography. Additionally, mobile learning is made possible through the iOS 4.3 hotspot update, permitting Internet connectivity for apple phones, tablets, and laptops. This will be especially valuable for recession-hit school districts, such as Detroit, scrambling for ways to solve ballooning class sizes. Skeptical educators can be relieved that the iPad was deemed classroom ready by Reed College, and that remote learning can be just as effective as in-class lecturing.

Mobile Learning

Educators are eager to break students free from of the nap-inducing prison of concrete lecture halls. Universities, such as Abu Dhabi, are integrating classrooms into mobile devices to keep procrastinating students alert on due dates, keep discussions alive after the bell rings, and promote serendipitous idea sharing. Apple’s new front-facing camera will facilitate interaction between students and teachers as they roam campuses and cities.

Public school districts, such as Detroit, could ease the pressure of crammed classrooms by permitting exploratory research in museums, at gardens, or public libraries. With real-time communication, specific class times could still be maintained, so that all students are learning together for at least some period of the day.

In the near future, lectures will become the homework. The Gates and Google funded Khan Academy found that lectures were more effective when students could listen to and replay lectures at their own pace at home. The iPad's video capture feature will allow teachers to join the movement by pre-recording their lectures as homework the day before a new classroom topic. Additionally, teachers could hold virtual office hours from anywhere in the world.

Duke University has been encouraging professors to hold online office hours for years, so that jet-set professors could keep in touch with students while at conferences and also to encourage their faculty to engage with eager learners outside the university.

Mirror Image Lecturing

Despite the hype of mobile learning, traditional lectures will dominate classrooms for the foreseeable future. Why not spice lectures up? Apple reveals how mirror imaging, which projects images from the iPad to a larger screen, would work inside a classroom [image below].

These are just a few of the uses that are immediately obvious. However, the wonderful thing about technology is that investigating new applications is educational in it-self. Tech-happy students will be eager to explore new ways of using tablets and sharing their discoveries with the world.

Even more relevant with the announcement of the iPad 2. The camera alone allows schools to use this more like a laptop. It is now a viable alternative to a 13inch Macbook. Anyway Tony has some really interesting and insightful tips learnt through experience. Enjoy

"Bringing iPods and iPads into the classroom is a great way to give students access to learning tools. However, there are so many things to keep in mind to make the devices work smoothly in the classroom. While this list of dos and don'ts mainly addresses iPod touch the same advice goes for iPod touch and iPhone.

The list is for large or small class sets of handhelds; if students are using their own personal iPods you'll have a different set of considerations and technical issues to deal with.

Dos

Do sync all iPods to one computer. You'll really be doing yourself a favor by syncing with one computer. You can add media to one computer's iTunes Library and know that it will sync with all iPods. If you must use more than one computer for syncing, always sync the same group of iPods to the same computers. This will probably involve color-coding the iPods and computers. The one computer you sync with can be Windows or Macintosh. Some people report that Windows computers freeze when syncing more than a few iPods at once. Macs appear to work better at syncing multiple iPods simultaneously.

Do name iPods. The first time you sync an iPod you are prompted to give it a name in iTunes. Start the name with a number so iPods are listed in order under the Devices list. Include a zero in front of number 1-9 so the computers sure to list them correctly. You can always change an iPod's name anytime using iTunes.

Do set each device's wallpaper with a number or name. An innovative way to identify iPods touches is to set the wallpaper image of each device to include its number or a name. This way you can simply press the Home button and the screen instantly lights up and displays the device's number. Wallpaper can be any image that's in the Photos app. That includes images synced using iTunes or images saved from mobile Safari or other apps. I've made three sets of images that you're welcome to use as wallpaper. Read my post and download the image sets.

Do set iPods for automatic sync of all content. Configure each iPod to sync all audio, video, podcasts, and apps so that everything in the iTunes Library is automatically transferred to the iPod. This way there are no buttons to push or click. Simply plugging in the iPod will ensure that everything in the iTunes Library is synced onto the iPod. Refer to this PDF for directions. Each iPod will have to be configured separately in iTunes. But, once configured, you won't have to touch the settings again.

Do make playlists. Because everything in the computer's iTunes Library will be synced onto the iPods, it's a good idea to organize what you want students to access into playlists. Do this by click the + in the bottom-left of the iTunes windows. Name your playlist and then drag and drop audio, video, podcasts, and audiobooks onto it. You can click and drag to reorder items within a playlist. Upon next sync, the playlist will appear on the iPod.

Do delete content. Since you are mirroring the computer's iTunes Library onto the iPods, deleting items from iTunes will delete them from the iPods. After you no longer have a need for a podcast, video, or audiobook, delete it so it is not taking up room and cluttering up the iPods. Chances are you want to use this content with a future class. If it's something you will use again, drag and drop it into a folder on your desktop. You can drag and drop it back into iTunes for the next time you want it synced to iPods.

Do configure the Music app for easy access to playlists and podcasts. I wish the Music app on iPod touch was named Audio instead because that is where you listen to any audio and access podcasts. As its name suggests, the app is set up for listening to songs. With a few changes, you can make it easier for students access educational content on the iPod. First, launch the Music app and tap the More button. Then tap Edit. Drag the Playlists, Podcasts,and iTunes U buttons to the bottom of the screen. If you use audiobooks you can drag that too. You'll need to do this on each iPod touch (or better yet have students do it). Now when the Music app is launched, students have quick one-tap access to whatever buttons you added to the bottom of the screen.

Do label or engrave iPods. It's important for teachers and students to be able to identify iPods. Giving iPods numbers is helpful. Some schools engrave numbers on the iPods' backs. Unfortunately, this number cannot be seen when the iPod is in a protective case. Putting a sticker on the front or writing the number on the case is helpful. Be sure the number matches the number you gave the iPod in iTunes. Additionally, having a variety of colors for cases can make it easier for students to spot their iPods.

Do set up an iTunes account for the classroom computer. Most prefer to keep their personal iTunes account separate from their school account. Now, you do not need an iTunes account to download podcasts and iTunes U collections. You do need an account if you plan to download audiobooks and apps, even if you are will only download free apps. iTunes usually requires a credit card to be on file when you create an account unless you follow these directions. You can sync all of the iPods using that one account. Everything you download with that account will be locked to that account and can only be installed from computers that are authorized with the account's Apple ID and password.

Do know you can authorize more than one account on a computer. If you bought software using a different account from your classroom account, it is possible to also authorize your account in addition to your school account ron the classroom syncing computer. Click Authorize Computer from iTunes' Store menu and enter your Apple ID and password. Realize that you can authorize an account on up to five computers. When you deauthorize your account on the computer the apps and audiobooks that are associated with your account will be deleted from the iPods.

Do use a flash drive to transfer apps between computers. When you purchase an app in iTunes it is downloaded and stored on your computer's hard drive. That same app file is then copied to all iPods that sync with your iTunes Library. There might be times you download apps on a computer other than the one you use for syncing. In this case you will need to copy the apps from the original computer's Library onto the new computer for syncing with iPods. The easiest way is to use a flash drive. On the first computer click Applications under Library. Then drag and drop the apps you wish to copy onto the flash drive. They appear as .ipa files with an iTunes icon. Eject and insert the flash drive into the computer used for syncing. Drag the apps from the flash drive into the iTunes Library. If the apps were downloaded or purchased under a different iTunes account than the one on the syncing computer, you may have to authorize your account (see above).

Do get a charging cart, case, or tray if you have the money. Bretford makes thePowerSync Cart for iPod. It's pricey at about $2300. For about half the price they offer thePowerSync Case. TriBeam is another company that makes carts and trays for syncing iPods. Also, PARAT Solutions makes Parasync, and they have created a product comparison chart. An advantage to these solutions is that each iPod has its own slot. Numbering these slots allows the teacher to quickly see which iPods are missing. If you cannot afford a cart or case, do buy a couple of powered USB hubs so you can sync and charge several iPods at once. If you stagger connecting the iPods, you can sync and charge an entire class set without buying expensive equipment.

Do have procedures for passing out, turning in, and syncing. Will students get their iPod as they enter the classroom? Do you have a helper student who will pick up the iPods? How will you know when all iPods have been turned in? There are lots of ways teachers manage iPods in the classroom. The key is having procedures for everyone to follow.

Do secure iPods when not in use. Have a place to lock up the iPods. It's no fun when an iPod is stolen.

Do have earbuds for each student. Something else that isn't fun is using earbuds that someone else has stuck in their ears. You can get inexpensive earbuds at Walmart andonline. Most students probably already have their own earbuds. Earbud wires do tend to get tangled. Those in elementary classrooms may consider putting a hook on a wall for each student. Label the hooks and earbuds so students can drape their earbuds from the hooks when not in use as a way to keep the wires tangle-free.

Do create a web clip icon for your class or school website. A web clip is an icon you can add to your Home screen as a shortcut to a website. With one tap, Safari will open to the web clip's page. To make a web clip, simply open the page in Safari. Tap the Plus sign at the bottom of the screen. Tap Add to Home Screen and edit the title (if you want). Tap Add and, presto, a new icon is added to your Home Screen. This will need to be done on each iPod individually. Adding a web clip to your class website enables you to add a link to your site that students can easily access on their iPods without typing in a web address.

Do use a URL shortener. If you don't have a class website or don't have time to update it, give wen addresses for students to type in using a URL shortening service. Sites liketinyurl.com and bit.ly take longer web addresses and make them shorter. The shorter the URL the easier they are to type on an iPod touch. Read more about shrinking long web addresses.

Do have consequences for misuse. Unfortunately, students will be tempted to use iPods inappropriately. I've found that taking away the iPod is an effective consequence for misuse. Students who have continual problems with misuse should be seated so that the teacher can monitor their activities. Maybe even point a video camera on a tripod at the student's screen so that the student knows the teacher is always "watching."

Do create a usage contract. A contract is an effective way to communicate how and when an iPod can be used. Have students and parents sign the contract to indicate they agree to follow the rules and accept the consequences for breaking the rules. You may want to model your contract after some of these:

Do set up email.. Like it or not, email is the primary way to get some information off the iPod and onto a computer. If students are assigned their own iPods, then it makes sense to set up each iPod with the student's email account. Some schools use Gaggle.net email, which can be configured to work on iPod touch. If students do not have their own email or students share individual iPods, you may want to set up each one with a free Gmail account. The problem with setting up all those accounts is the time involved and the difficulty in monitoring so many accounts. An alternative is to create one Gmail account to be used on all iPods. So that you can tell which iPod an email originated from, type in the number of the iPod or the name of the student in the Email settings Name field. This will need to be set up individually on each iPod. Additionally, be sure the teacher's email address is added to the address book so students can easily send what they create on the iPod touch to the teacher.

Don'ts

Don't give students the iTunes account password. If you give them the password, they can download apps right from the iPod itself. Apps downloaded on one iPod will eventually be synced to all iPods so a single problem could grow larger. Teachers should be in complete control over what is loaded on the devices, so they should keep passwords to themselves.

Don't sync iPods with any other computer than the original. If an iPod is attached to a different computer you will get messages that content on the iPod will have to be erased. You probably don't want that. If you click Cancel, the iPod will charge but won't sync.

Don't feel you need to sync iPods everyday. Chances are you won't need to sync iPods everyday. You only need to sync when there are new podcasts, audio, video, or apps you want to put on the iPods. If you plan ahead, you can make it so syncing is required only weekly and perhaps monthly. Depending on use, however, iPods will probably need to be charged every couple days.

Don't spend too much on iPods. The 8GB iPod touch is the most affordable. Is 8GB enough? For most, yes, 8GB is plenty for dozens of apps, lots of audio, and a few videos. You can see how much of the available memory is taken up by viewing each iPod's capacity gauge. The gauge is found in iTunes under the Summary tab for each iPod.

Don't mistreat batteries. iPods use lithium-ion batteries. These batteries will lose capacity over time. The worst thing you can do is store iPods somewhere hot, like a car in the summertime. It's also not healthy for lithium-ion batteries to be completely discharged. For healthiest batteries, store iPods at about 80% charge over the summer (be sure to completely power down the iPods over the summer as well).

Don't use liquids to clean the screen. You don't want liquid getting inside. Microfiber clothes clean the screens nicely. If the screen is really gunky, put a small amount of water on a cloth and then clean the device.

Don't put up with a glitchy iPod. iPods can easily be restored to factory settings if something gets out of whack (or if a student decides to lock the iPod and forget the password). Read about restoring.

Don't forget professional development. There's always something new to learn when it comes to teaching and learning with iPods. Consider booking a workshop with me, Tony Vincent, and my workshops can even be attended by students. Don't forget that I offer apodcast for iPod-using educators. Additionally, there are plenty of other great websites out there where educators are sharing their iPod touch activities, ideas, and resources."

Saturday, March 5, 2011

From TechLearning.com - An intelligent and reasoned argument by Dean Shareski about not whether the iPad is suitable to education BUT how the iPad and the expectations that come with them are changing the ways that we think about using technology in the educational setting - What are the new Possibilities?

I’m not usually one to write about a tool or software but an interesting shift is occurring in the district where I work. The iPad is generating more discussion about the role of technology in learning than any tool or event to date. In trying to understand the reason for this, I’m of the belief that the design and tactile experience of the iPad are the primary differences in this device that is enabling these conversations.

The buzz is more than simply an interest in a cool tool but an inquisitive and curious attitude built around new possibilities. I’m not sure what it is but the simplicity of the apps seems to get people considering what apps might exist and what apps need to be created. The other thing about these devices is that they are all about customization. Most desktops and laptops do not encourage people to do much beyond using the software outside of the default installation. The average user doesn’t seek to tweak and tinker. The iPad is all about tinkering.While many would argue against it as purely a consumption device, the addition of a camera, creation software such as iMovie and Garageband, as well as keyboard enhancements means it offers some of the best creative applications for education.This isn’t really about the iPad as much as it is making computing easier. Those pioneers of educational computing such as Seymour Papert and Gary Stager argue for the transformational use of computers. Computers should be imagination machines. The conversations I’ve had recently with teachers and administrators suggest, they are beginning to see more possibilities. It’s making it very easy to advance the conversation to consider how technology might make learning different. Partly it’s due to the fact that everyone seems to be on a level playing field. There is no iPad curriculum, at least not yet, I hope never. Much like the Hole in the Wall experiment, everyone seems to sense, there’s something interesting here and are willing to explore and play. That exploration is naturally facilitating conversations I’ve not seen generating before. Another reason there is increased conversations is because the form factor allows users to more easily manipulate and “own” the device. No longer are users dependant on a keyboard and mouse as the primary input device but can have a more intimate experience with content and ideas. The keyboard served as a prosthesis, the iPad and other touch devices eliminates the middle man. Teachers are asking about how to create content for the iPad. The epub format in particular has enormous potential. The development of homegrown textbooks is within grasp. These possibilities have indeed existed for years. Open source software offered similar hope but for the most part, the learning curves were not overcome by the masses. Those who have been the creators and makers using technology are generally the ones who have persevered and were willing to put in the time to be successful. Beauty and quality will still take time and sweat to create but I believe the iPad represents new hope more than ever before. At least I hoping so.

Discover 10 great iPad education resource websites. These are entire sites devoted to bringing you the best ways to use the iPad in the classroom. They include resources, apps, lesson plans, and even some apptivities (what a neat word)! As more schools discover the power of the iPad, there seem to be more educators excited about discovering apps that engage students while making classroom learning come alive! This is a post that you will want to share with others! Also, please visit my 21centuryedtech Blog and sign up for free email and RSS feeds that will include great technology innovation as I find it. You can also follow me on twitter at mjgormans. I want to build this list of iPad websites past twenty! If you know of a great iPad site please leave a comment so that I can learn and share! - Have a great week! - Mike

Note - If you will be traveling to MEC in Tempe Arizona or CUE in Palm Springs California this March 2011 please introduce yourself at one of my sessions. I am making the trip from Indiana and will have two presentation at each conference. They include Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives... No Future Left Behind, STEM to STEAM to STEAMIE... Turning Up The Temperature, and A 7 Step Approach to Website Evaluation... A-G.

Ten Must Visits Websites Supporting iPads In Education

Several weeks ago I reviewed one of the most powerful iPad app sites on the web. If you missed the posting be sure to give this prior post a visit. The website iEar is an amazing site based on both teacher reviews and contributions. You may just want to become a member of iEar today! Again, check out this prior post for link and information. Perhaps you want to discover even more apps for your classroom iPad. Then read below and discover ten more sites that will bring out your need to keep filling the memory chip of your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone!

1. The iPhone Application List – While this site has numerous categories for apps, I have directed you to a portion of the site that contains about 100 apps both free and for purchase. You can select between free and paid. Each app is click-able allowing the reader to view description, posting date, and a link to the download.

3. The iPad In Education – A great site based in the United Kingdom and administered by Ian Wilson, a freelance Apple Distinguished Educator. When you visit the site be sure to have some extra time to visit all of the links. The pages, listed by subject area, provide a large number of useful apps for teaching and learning. Categories include Apps - includedwith the iPad, Artwork, Geography, History, Literacy, Miscellaneous, Numeracy, Music, and Productivity. The United Kingdom “iPad In Education” is a must visit for those wanting to learn more about the iPad, its apps, and ways to deploy it in the classroom.

4. Teach With Our iPad - Have you ever been to one of those sites that was so filled with resources, you didn’t know where to begin! I suggest that you begin by just visiting this site. It really is so much more than an awsome collection of iPad Apps. You may wish to start with iPad Apps and its listing of over 500 apps, descriptions, reviews, and even apps to get started with. Or, instead, begin with the searchable data base or take a look at their cool list of projection apps.

5. The iPad Schools - This wiki is intended to be a clearinghouse of applications, lesson ideas, and experiences using the iPad in the classroom. The intent of this wiki is to give a listing of apps that have been tested and recommended by teachers who are using them. The listings in this wiki are generally created using google docs and members of the wiki are invited to update and add information. I especially like the Creativity Apps, Teacher Tools Apps and the VGA Output Apps. You also may wish to check out Managing a Classroom Set of iPads and This is what I did… (which is a selection of the authors’ reflections and practical applications.

6. The iPad Curriculum – This website is a blog with in-depth articles relating to the iPad. It claims to be a collection of the best in applications, practices, and deployment of the iPad as a learning device. Upon reading, you’ll find the blog does give some excellent in-depth articles about apps, deployment, and uses. One of my favorites on this site helps innovative teachers write their own app using edupad without the need for code knowledge. A clever data base search engine that involves steps of Bloom’s Taxonomy is especially useful. While the site is relatively new, the archive dates to July 2010, it seems that this blog holds some great promise for iPad users.

7. AppAnnie – The link included brings you to the educational listings for this web site. Note that it lists about 200 educational apps which are click-able with a description and also note whether they are free or entail a cost. Visitors will also notice a button that will deliver a new page with 500 iPhone educational apps. If you are an app developer you may want to investigate the app nanny. This service provides an App Care web service for iPhone app developers, helping them keep tabs on their apps. It’s free during the open beta.

8.ACALANES Union HS – This Google Site is maintained by dedicated people at a high school integrating mobile learning for their students. The link will bring you to 75 apps available for the iPad and education. Take another look and you will find a link that will provide 210 integrating apps for the iPod Touch. There is still more, how about an area dedicated to learning how to write an ebook with and for the iPad. Information includes using Google Doc Mobile, using Pages App on the iPad, or integrating with Google Docs on the computer. Last, be sure to visit the “Ideas For iPads” Slide show for some great ideas!

9. Apptivities - The website defines apptivities as, ” models for successful instructional practices with mobile devices”. This is a unique site in that it is the application of apps that creates a transformation in learning. Various apps are covered by offering suggestions of ways to use them in the classroom. There are even video examples to help further educator understanding. Apptivities is the response to a challenge given at the ADE Summer Institute 2010 at Full Sail University, Orlando, Florida. ADE colleagues contribute apptivities, a specific learning activity using apps on mobile devices. A key part of the vision for apptivities is to provide media resources that give a “view” into best practices in the classroom. You can even help support the challenge of supporting teachers in using mobile applications effectively to improve student learning. A link for action will allow you to contribute your own apptivities.

10. Apple Ipad Site- Did you really think I would forget the company that made the iPad possible? This link brings you to a site where you will find all of those apps listed by category. You will find a large listing in the apps iTunes store. While you are at it, you may wish to learn about Apple app volume purchases.